While the holidays are usually a time of joy and cheer, getting ready for them can be stressful and overwhelming – especially if you’re rushing. This year, there’s an added level of anxiety amid the pandemic with concern over COVID-19, limited store hours and travel restrictions. Don’t let the stress of today’s society impact you when driving your vehicle.

Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) finds that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once over a one-year span. AAA Western and Central New York is reminding motorists to pack their patience this holiday season.

The most alarming findings from the AAAFTS study suggest that millions of U.S. drivers engaged in extreme examples of road rage, including:  

• Purposefully tailgating: 51 percent (104 million drivers)
• Yelling at another driver: 47 percent (95 million drivers)
• Honking to show annoyance or anger: 45 percent (91 million drivers)
• Making angry gestures: 33 percent (67 million drivers)
• Trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes: 24 percent (49 million drivers)
• Cutting off another vehicle on purpose: 12 percent (24 million drivers)
• Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver: 4 percent (8 million drivers)
• Bumping or ramming another vehicle on purpose: 3 percent (6 million drivers)

“Everyone wants the perfect gift for the holidays, and emotions can run high trying to find it,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA WCNY. “Minor frustrations in parking lots or on the road can turn deadly when drivers take their anger out on other drivers. 2020 has been a challenge for all, and it’s important to use caution and end the year as safely as possible.”

Road rage includes purposefully tailgating; yelling at another driver; honking; making angry gestures; trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes; cutting off another vehicle on purpose; getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver; and – perhaps the most dangerous of all – bumping or ramming another vehicle on purpose. 

AAA offers these tips to help prevent road rage this shopping season:

Follow the rules of the road

• Maintain adequate following distance.
• Use turn signals.
• Allow others to merge.
• Tap your horn if you must (but no long blasts with accompanying hand gestures).
• Be considerate in parking lots. 
• Remaining calm and courteous behind the wheel lowers your risk of an unpleasant encounter.
• Remember that shoppers may need extra time to sanitize hands and remove masks before exiting a parking space.

Dealing with Confrontation

• Don’t respond to aggression with aggression.
• If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital or fire station.
• If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.
• If you feel threatened, call 911.
• Make sure to wear your mask and remain socially distant from others.

Always Remember

• Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
• Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
• Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and contact 9-1-1 if needed.

AAA not only offers traffic safety advice, but you can learn the most effective driver techniques to reduce risk and how to handle emergencies through our online Defensive Driving Courses! Find details at:

AAA Driver Training